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1-1-2004 2004 Maine Moose Hunter's Guide

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Recommended Citation "2004 Maine Moose Hunter's Guide" (2004). Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Law Books. 396. http://digitalmaine.com/ifw_law_books/396

This Text is brought to you for free and open access by the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at Maine State Documents. It has been accepted for inclusion in Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Law Books by an authorized administrator of Maine State Documents. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 2004 MAINE MOOSE HUNTER'S GUIDE

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Caring for Maine’s Outdoor Future 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page # Care of Your Moose - From Field to Freezer ...... 24-28 Customs ...... 32 General Hunting Laws ...... 5 History of Moose Hunting ...... 33 Hunter Ethics ...... 19 Hunting Regulations for Public Reserved Lands and Parks ...... 7-8 Indian Territory ...... 36 Liver and Kidney Consumption, A Caution on ...... 30 Maine Moose Hunter Club ...... 37 Map of Wildlife Managements Districts ...... 20-21 Meat - How Much Will I Get? ...... 28 Moose Calls...... 23 Moose Hunting Districts Wildlife Management District 1 ...... 9 Wildlife Management District 2 ...... 9 Wildlife Management District 3 ...... 10 Wildlife Management District 4 ...... 10 Wildlife Management District 5 ...... 10-11 Wildlife Management District 6 ...... 11 Wildlife Management District 7 ...... 11 Wildlife Management District 8 ...... 12 Wildlife Management District 9 ...... 12 Wildlife Management District 10 ...... 12-13 Wildlife Management District 11 ...... 13 Wildlife Management District 12 ...... 13-14 Wildlife Management District 13 ...... 14 Wildlife Management District 14 ...... 14 Wildlife Management District 17 ...... 14-15 Wildlife Management District 18 ...... 15 Wildlife Management District 19 ...... 15 Wildlife Management District 28 ...... 16 Wildlife Management District 29 ...... 16 Moose Hunting Laws and Regulations ...... 5-7 Moose Hunting Log ...... 37 Moose Hunting Techniques ...... 22-23 Moose Meat Processing Facilities ...... 29-30 Moose Registration Stations ...... 17-19 Nonimmigrant Aliens Hunting in Maine ...... 32 Phone Numbers You May Need ...... 31 Planning Your Moose Hunt ...... 22 Record Moose Antlers ...... 31 Spruce Grouse & Ruffed Grouse Identification ...... 34-35

Front cover illustration by Mark McCollough Published under Appropriation 010 09A 6010

3 Congratulations! You are about to experience what many consider to be a once in a lifetime opportunity - moose hunting in Maine. As a permittee you are guaranteed the opportunity to hunt Maine’s largest mammal, you are not guaranteed a successful hunt, a mature “trophy” bull, or quality meat. However, preseason planning and proper care and handling of the animal will help to ensure that your Maine moose hunting experience is a memorable one.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has developed the Maine Moose Hunter’s Guide to:

1. Increase your awareness of safe, ethical, and responsible behavior necessary when moose hunting

2. Expand your knowledge of moose and moose hunting in Maine

3. Improve your hunting skills

4. Answer any questions you may have.

MOOSE HUNTING VIDEO

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has produced a moose hunting video. For those who have never hunted moose in Maine, it is certainly a worthwhile addition to your pre hunt checklist. The video is reasonably priced at $7.50 plus $3.50 postage.

The 26 minute video details moose hunting in Maine. It informs hunters about the history behind moose hunting in Maine, and provides hunters with biological information on Maine’s largest mammal. You can also learn about items you will need to make your moose hunt in Maine more enjoyable, as well as introduce you to Maine’s laws pertaining to hunting moose.

For those who would like to try a traditional hunt in Maine, the video offers tips on selecting sites, moose calling, and butchering a moose in the field, so you can pack it out. The video features footage from actual moose hunts in Maine and several different sce- narios on caring for your animal after it is shot.

A moose hunt in Maine is unlike any other hunt you have experienced before, and this video can prepare you for what many call “the hunt of a lifetime”.

The video is available from the Department’s online store at www.mefishwildlife.com or by mailing the form below. Order yours today for $11.00 (Maine residents must add .38 sales tax).

Resident price $11.38 Non-resident price $11.00

Name ______

Mailing Address ______City ______St ______Zip ______

Phone Number ______

Please send me ______moose hunt videos. Total enclosed ______

METHOD OF PAYMENT

(Please make check payable to: Treasurer, State of Maine) Check/Money Order ____ Visa ____ Mastercard ____

Card Number ______-______-______-______

Exp. Date _____/_____ Signature______

Mail order with payment to: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Information Center - Moose Video 284 State St., 41 SHS Augusta, ME 04333-0041

4 GENERAL HUNTING LAWS

Summarized below are some of the general hunting laws you should be aware of while moose hunting. See the current hunting law booklet for full details.

IT IS ILLEGAL TO: • Hunt on Sunday or at night. • Shoot from a paved way (any road with a bituminous surface) or within 10 feet of the edge of the pavement, or within the right-of-way of any controlled access highway. It is also unlawful to shoot over a paved way. • Discharge a firearm within 100 yards of a residential dwelling, including barns, without permission of the owner. • Possess a firearm in a motor vehicle on Sunday on an unpaved road in an unorganized township (most of the townships in the moose hunting area are unorganized) unless the firearm is carried securely and completely wrapped, in a case, or in at least two separate pieces so that it cannot be fired unless pieces are put together (a clip, magazine, or cylinder is not considered a piece of the firearm). • Use artificial lights at night to illuminate wildlife. • Shoot from any motor vehicle or motorboat or possess a loaded firearm in or on a motor vehicle. It is unlawful to shoot from a motor vehicle or motorboat or have a loaded firearm in or on a motor vehicle, trailer, or other type of vehicle being hauled by a motor vehicle except as specifically allowed.(NOTE: A loaded clip may be carried in a motor vehicle, but it must not be inserted in, or attached to, a firearm; a muzzle-loading firearm is considered to be loaded ONLY if charged with powder, lead and a primed ignition device or mechanism.) • Hunt unless in the presence of a parent or guardian or another person who is at least 18 years of age, if you are under 16 years of age. If other than a parent or guardian, that person must possess a Maine hunting license or proof of a hunter safety course. • Hunt while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. • Hunt with automatic firearms (continue to fire as long as trigger is held back). • Hunt with auto-loading firearm with a magazine that will hold more than five cartridges. • Interfere with anyone who is hunting legally, or disturb wild animals with the intent to interfere with the hunting of them. • While on the ground or airborne use an aircraft to aid or assist in hunting big game.

CAUTION: • It is also important for all Maine moose hunters to be aware of the regulation requiring that the permittee and sub- permittee physically be in the presence of each other while hunting, without the aid of radios or similar devices. The permittee may hunt alone, but if they hunt together they must be in contact. The sub-permittee may not hunt alone. Compliance with this regulation will ensure that all permittees and sub-permittees are hunting together and, therefore, in constant communication with one another. This will prevent confusion between hunters and the possibility of more than one moose being shot.

• In Maine, it is common for moose to travel in groups of two or more animals. As a participant in the Maine moose hunt, it is critical that you recognize your responsibility to be sure of your target. It is extremely important that before you shoot at a moose, you are certain of your target and beyond to ensure that you do not inadvertently shoot a second moose. Shooting or killing more than one moose, even accidentally, may expose a person to fines, jail time, forfeiture of firearms, and loss of hunting privileges.

MOOSE HUNTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

The following are summaries of laws and regulations which specifically apply to moose hunting. You must also comply with all other applicable laws of Title 12, Maine Revised Statutes, which are summarized following this section and detailed in the Maine hunting law booklet.

WHO MAY HUNT: Only holders of valid moose hunting permits and their designated subpermittee may hunt moose; the permittee must possess the permit at all times while hunting. Moose hunters hunting with bow and arrow are not required to obtain an archery license. Hunters may hunt moose with bow and arrow or firearm with a big game hunting license. The permittee may hunt alone, but the subpermittee must always be in the presence of the permittee while hunting; that pres- ence must be unaided by visual or audio enhancement devices, including binoculars and citizens band radios. (Other individuals may be in the hunting party, but only permittees and subpermittees may hunt or kill moose.) A person may assist in a hunt without a license or permit for that activity as long as that person does not carry hunting equipment. OPEN SEASON: September 27 through October 2, 2004 (WMDs 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, and 19) or October 11 through 16, 2004 (WMDs 1 through 14, 17, 18, 19, 28, and 29). Hunters must hunt during their assigned week.

5 MOOSE HUNTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS cont’d

LEGAL HOURS: Moose may be hunted from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

OPEN AREAS: Hunters must hunt within their assigned Wildlife Management District (see map and description). Hunters may swap their hunting district with that of another willing hunter. If you want to swap your hunting district with that of another hunter, the permit type (BOP or AOP) and season (September of October) on each permit must be the same. You must make all of your own arrangements - the Department will not do that for you. Refer to your official notification letter for more information.

CLOSED AREAS: Several areas in the moose hunting district may not be hunted, including game sanctuaries, Indian territories, Baxter State Park (including parts usually open to hunting), and the restricted zone of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway (prior to October 1). These areas are usually well marked and easily identified. See the hunting law booklet for locations of game sanctuaries and the back of this guide for locations of Indian territories. Anyone wishing to hunt on Indian territory should contact the appropriate Indian agency for further information. A list of hunting regulations for public reserve lands and parks is on page 7. Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge (WMD 29) is closed to moose hunting.

BAG LIMIT: A bulls only permit holder may shoot one bull (male of any age) moose. An antlerless only permit holder may shoot one antlerless moose. “Antlerless moose” means a moose without antlers or moose with antlers that are shorter in size than their ears. A moose may be shot by either the permittee or the subpermittee. It is unlawful for any person to hunt moose after having killed or registered one during the open season of that calendar year.

HUNTER ORANGE CLOTHING: Anyone who hunts with a firearm in the moose hunting district during the moose season must wear an article of solid-colored hunter orange clothing which is visible from all sides and in good and serviceable condition. Exempt are persons hunting waterfowl from a boat or blind or in conjunction with waterfowl decoys.

ILLEGAL FIREARMS: It is illegal to hunt moose with .22 caliber rimfire firearms and shotguns using shot loads.

BOW AND ARROW: If hunting with an archery license only, the hunter cannot carry a firearm. If the moose hunter possess a big game hunting license, OR both an archery license and a big game hunting license, he or she may shoot the moose with either weapon. If the moose hunter possesses an archery license and a small game hunting license, the moose cannot be dispatched with the firearm.

ILLEGAL HUNTING METHODS: It is illegal to intentionally pursue, drive, chase or otherwise frighten or cause a moose to move in the direction of anyone known to be waiting for the moose. It is illegal to use electronic calling devices while hunting moose.

MOOSE TO BE TAGGED: The moose transportation tag portion of the moose hunting permit, bearing the full name and address of the person who killed the moose, shall immediately be attached to the moose, following instructions on the tag. Please make sure you keep the cardboard portion of the transportation tag. This is the moose permit and it is needed for registration.

MOOSE TRANSPORTATION TO REGISTRATION STATION: The entire animal including all edible meat except the viscera, lower legs, rib cage, head, and hide must be presented for registration. The animal may be dismembered for ease of trans- portation. It is much easier to cut the moose into several pieces to bring edible meat out of the woods, but leave the viscera, lower legs, rib cage, head, and hide in the woods. Evidence of gender must remain attached to at least one part of a dressed animal if it is dismembered and transported in several pieces. In order to transport a moose to a registration station: a. the moose tag portion of the permit must be securely attached to the moose until it is registered; b. the moose must be accompanied by the person who killed it; c. evidence of gender must remain attached to at least one part of a dressed animal if it is primary incisor dismembered and transported in several pieces, and canine d. a canine tooth or the lower jaw must also be presented at the time of registration if the head is not brought to the registration station. The canine tooth is the outside tooth in the row of teeth in the front of the lower jaw. To remove it cut along the root on either side of the tooth (see the dotted lines in the diagram) and pry it out. (Use a screwdriver to pry so you don't break your knife!) e. leave the registration seal attached to the moose until it is processed and packaged for consumption.

6 MOOSE HUNTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS cont’d

MOOSE PARTS LEFT IN THE WOODS: It is much easier to leave the viscera, lower legs, rib cage, head, and hide in the woods. But, any moose parts that are not presented for registration may not be placed where they are visible to a person traveling on a public or private way.

MOOSE REGISTRATION: The person who killed the moose must present it at the first open official moose registration station, where an agent will register it and attach a seal. The cost is $1. No one other than the person who killed it may present a moose for registration. Remember - evidence of gender must remain attached to at least one part of a dressed animal if it is dismembered and transported in several pieces. (If you feel your moose is unfit for consumption because of disease or parasite infestation, ask a game warden or wildlife biologist about the condition before registering it; once the moose is registered it becomes your property, and under no circumstances will an opportunity be given to take another moose.)

No one may keep an unregistered moose at home or any place of storage (except at an official registration station or a game warden's office) for more than eighteen (18) hours without first notifying a game warden. Unregistered moose may be left in the woods provided the shooter notifies a game warden within 18 hours as to its location and the reason for leaving it.

MOOSE TRANSPORTATION AFTER REGISTRATION: After being registered, a moose may be transported by anyone.

RADIO COLLARS AND EAR TAGS: Any radio collars and ear tags found on harvested moose must be submitted to the agent when the animal is presented for registration.

GIVING MOOSE AWAY — PARTS TO BE LABELED: Except for permittees and subpermittees who have legally harvested and transported a moose, no one may possess any part or parts of a moose unless each separate part is plainly labeled with the name and address of the person who registered the moose and the year the animal was registered by that person.

QUESTIONNAIRES: Each permittee must complete a questionnaire, to be mailed to you during the season, and return it to the department within a period of 10 days after the close of the moose hunting season.

TWO-YEAR WAITING PERIOD: Anyone receiving a Maine moose hunting permit must wait two years before being eligible to receive another permit. This requirement affects status as a permit holder only; it does not affect hunters who have been subpermittees, nor does it prohibit a hunter from being a subpermittee during the two-year wait.

HUNTING REGULATIONS FOR PUBLIC RESERVED LANDS AND PARKS a. All hunting and trapping shall take place in accordance with the laws of the State of Maine, the laws and rules of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and local ordinances. b. The possession and/or use of firearms or weapons is prohibited in all areas between May 1 and September 30, except where hunting is allowed during this period. Firearms or weapons may be transported across the Restricted Zone of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, between May 1 and September 30, provided they are securely and completely enclosed in a cover, fastened in a case, or dismantled in at least two pieces in such a manner that they cannot be fired unless the separate pieces are joined together. c. Hunting is not permitted at any time at State Historic Sites or Memorials, or at any of the properties listed below:

Andrews Beach State Park: that portion of Bradbury Mountain State Park west of State Route 9; Cobscook Bay State Park: Crescent Beach and Kettle Cove State Parks; Damariscotta Lake State Park; Ferry Beach State Park; Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park; Nickerson Lake State Park; Owls Head Light State Park; that portion of Quoddy Head State Park within 1,000 feet of the lighthouse; Reid State Park; Sebago Lake State Park; Shackford Head State Park; Two Lights State Park; and Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park. d. Hunting is not permitted between May 1and September 30 at any of the properties listed below:

Restricted Zone of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway; Aroostook State Park; Birch Point Beach State Park; Bradbury Mountain State Park east of Route 9; Camden Hills State Park; Grafton Notch State Park; Mt. Kineo State Park; Lake St. George State Park; Lamoine State Park; Lily Bay State Park; Moose Point State Park; Mount Blue State Park; Moxie Falls State Park; Peacock Beach State Park; Peaks-Kenny State Park; Popham Beach State Park; Quoddy

7 HUNTING REGULATIONS FOR PUBLIC RESERVED LANDS AND PARKS cont’d

Head State Park, except as provided in paragraph C. immediately above; Range Pond State Park; Rangeley Lake State Park, except that portion posted as part of the Rangeley Lake Game Sanctuary; Roque Bluffs State Park; Swan Lake State Park; Warren Island State Park. e. The discharge of any weapon is prohibited from or within 300 feet of any picnic area, camping area or campsite, parking area, building, shelter, boat launch site, posted trail or other developed area. f. Trails which are closed to hunting will be posted to that effect at access points. On trails posted as closed to hunting, loaded weapons are not permitted on the treadway and weapons may not be discharged within 300 feet of the trail. g. Work areas and areas with significant public use may be temporarily posted as closed to hunting by park management in the interest of public safety. h. Baiting of wildlife for the purpose of hunting is prohibited. i. Trapping may take place only in accordance with the laws of the State of Maine, the laws and rules of the Maine Depart- ment of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and local ordinances. Trapping on state parks or historic sites in organized town- ships requires the written permission of the Bureau. j. Bureau employees or their representatives in the official conduct of their duties and in accordance with bureau policy are exempt from the above rules.

For more information, contact the Maine Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands at 207-287-3061.

HUNTING OTHER SPECIES

Moose hunters may hunt other game species for which the season is open. Anyone who hunts any species with a firearm in the moose hunting districts must still wear one article of hunter orange clothing. The only exception is waterfowl hunters who are hunting from a boat, blind, or in conjunction with waterfowl decoys.

MOOSE HUNTER QUESTIONNAIRE

The legislation that established the moose hunting season requires all permit holders to complete and return a questionnaire to the Fish and Wildlife Department. All permit holders will receive the short questionnaire immediately after the moose hunt.

In the questionnaire you will be asked to record the number of hours you spent moose hunting and the number of game animals you saw while moose hunting in Maine. In the back of this guide, is a one-page moose hunting log for you to fill out during your hunt. It will help you complete the questionnaire when it is mailed to you. Your responses help the Department follow population trends of moose and other species.

8 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS DESCRIPTIONS

Each permit holder is assigned a wildlife management district (WMD). It is the permittee's and subpermittee's responsibility to be familiar with the WMD boundary and conduct their moose hunting activities within that WMD.

Moose populations are excellent in all Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs). More important differences between the WMDs are in their distances from towns, road access to and within the WMD, habitat types, and availability of services and lodging. These characteristics are discussed in the WMD descriptions that follow.

All WMD boundary lines are well marked, physical features, such as roads, rivers, lake shores, international boundaries, etc. All WMD boundary descriptions begin at the southwest corner of the WMD and proceed clockwise.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 1 [North Maine Woods - Upper St. John River Valley]

WMD 1 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the point where the American Realty Rd intersects the Maine-Quebec border in T11R17 WELS; then following the Maine-Quebec border northerly to the Maine-New Brunswick border; then following the Maine-New Brunswick border southeasterly to the point where the St. John River and the St. Francis River and the Maine-New Brunswick border meet in St. Francis; then following the eastern shore of the St. John River southwesterly to the Allagash River in Allagash Plt; then following the eastern shore of the Allagash River and the eastern shore of the lakes formed on the Allagash River southwesterly to the American Realty Rd bridge across the Allagash River in T11R13 WELS; then following the American Realty Rd westerly to the point of origin at the Maine-Quebec border in T11R17 WELS.

WMD 1 features very remote commercial forestland with access through logging roads and navigable rivers and streams. Access to the area through North Maine Woods* check points in Allagash Plantation, Telos, Six-Mile (west of Ashland), Fish River (west of Portage), and along the Maine/Quebec Border at Daaquam, St. Pamphile, and Escourt controlled by U.S. Customs. Some access points have restricted hours. Some developed campsites are available and camping is permit- ted in certain areas with a Maine Forest Service fire permit. No facilities, so hunters must bring all equipment and supplies needed.

WMD 1 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps #54, 60, 61, 62, 66, 67, and 70.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 2 [North Maine Woods - Clayton Lake to St. Francis]

WMD 2 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the bridge where the American Realty Rd crosses the Allagash River in T11R13 WELS; then following the eastern shore of the Allagash River and the eastern shore of the lakes formed on the Allagash River northeasterly to the St. John River in Allagash Plt; then following the eastern shore of the St. John River northeasterly to the St. Francis River and the Maine-New Brunswick border in St. Francis; then following the Maine-New Brunswick border southeasterly to the International Bridge in Fort Kent; then follow- ing State Highway #161 northeasterly to State Highway #11 in Fort Kent; then following State Highway #11 southerly to the Garfield Rd in Ashland; then following the Garfield Rd westerly to the American Realty Rd in Ashland; then following the American Realty Rd westerly to the point of origin at the bridge across the Allagash River in T11R13 WELS.

WMD 2 features vast undeveloped commercial forestland, limited agricultural lands, and a few small towns with no facilities except scattered commercial sporting camps. Access through private logging roads and numerous waterways. North Maine Woods* checkpoint at Six-Mile, Fish River, and St. Francis.

WMD 2 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps # 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, and 67.

9 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 3 [Northern Aroostook Co. Farmland]

WMD 3 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the junction of the Beaver Brook Rd, and State Highway #11 in Nashville Plt; then following State Highway #11 northwesterly to State Highway #161 in Fort Kent; then following State Highway #161 westerly to the International Bridge at the Maine-New Brunswick border in Fort Kent; then following the Maine-New Brunswick border easterly and southerly to State Highway #229 in Limestone; then following State Highway #229 westerly to State Highway #1A in Limestone; then following State Highway #1A northerly to State Highway #89 in Limestone; then following State Highway #89 southwesterly to State Highway #1 in Caribou; then following State Highway #1 southerly to State Highway #228 in Caribou; then following State Highway #228 westerly to the High Meadow Rd in Perham; then following the High Meadow Rd westerly to the Beaver Brook Rd in Perham; then follow- ing the Beaver Brook Rd southwesterly to the point of origin on State Highway #11 in Nashville Plt.

WMD 3 features intensive agricultural land and industrial and private forests. Farmland and forests are poorly interspersed. Small towns and limited urban area. Access through public roads, logging roads, and numerous waterways. Please ask landowners for permission to hunt on farmlands, especially managed croplands.

WMD 3 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps # 63, 64, 65, 67, 68, and 69.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 4 [North Maine Woods - Chesuncook Lake to Daaquam]

WMD 4 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the point where the Golden Rd intersects the Maine-Quebec border in T5R20 WELS; then following the Maine-Quebec border northerly to the point where the American Realty Rd intersects the Maine-Quebec border in T11R17 WELS; then following the American Realty Rd easterly to the bridge across the Allagash River in T11R13 WELS; then following the eastern shore of the Allagash River and the eastern shore of lakes formed on the Allagash River southerly to Lock Dam on Chamberlain Lake in T7R13 WELS; then following the northern shore of Chamberlain Lake, the northern shore of Round Pond and the northern shore of Telos Lake southeasterly to Telos Dam in T6R11 WELS; then following the northern shore of Webster Stream and the northern shore of Webster Lake easterly to the boundary of Baxter State Park; then following the western boundary of Baxter State Park southerly to the northern shore of the West Branch of the Penobscot River in T3R11 WELS; then following the northern shore of the West Branch of the Penobscot River westerly to the Telos Rd in T3R11 WELS; then following the Telos Rd southerly to the Golden Rd in T3R11 WELS; then following the Golden Rd westerly to the point of origin at the Maine-Quebec border in T5R20 WELS.

WMD 4 features remote commercial forestland with access through private logging roads and numerous waterways. Northern access through North Maine Woods* checkpoints at Telos and St. Juste and along the Maine/Quebec Border at St. Aurelie. Access the southern portion of the WMD throughthe North Maine Woods Caribou checkpoint (in T3-R13 WELS) on the Golden Road and Twenty Mile checkpoint (west of Moosehead Lake north of Rockwood). Hunters must bring all equipment and supplies needed. Commercial sporting camps are available.

WMD 4 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps #47, 48, 49, 50, 54, 55, 56, 60, and 61.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 5 [North Maine Woods - Matagamon to Big Machias River]

WMD 5 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the point where the T6R10 WELS southern boundary line intersects the western boundary of Baxter State Park (T6R10 WELS western boundary line); then following the western boundary of Baxter State Park northerly to the northern shore of Webster Lake in T6R10 WELS; then following the northern shores of Webster Lake and Webster Stream westerly to Telos Dam in T6R11 WELS; then following the northern shore of Telos Lake, the northern shore of Round Pond, and the northern shore of Chamberlain Lake northwest- erly to Lock Dam on Chamberlain Lake in T7R13 WELS; then following the eastern shore of the Allagash River and the eastern shore of lakes formed on the Allagash River northerly to the American Realty Rd bridge across the Allagash River in T11R13 WELS; then following the American Realty Rd easterly to the Garfield Rd in Ashland; then following the Garfield Rd easterly to State Highway #11 in Ashland; then following State Highway #11 southerly to State Highway #159 in Patten; then following State Highway #159 northwesterly to the Matagamon Rd in Mount Chase Plt; then following the Matagamon Rd westerly to the Baxter State Park Tote Rd at Matagamon Gate on the eastern boundary of Baxter State Park; then following the Baxter State Park Tote Rd to the Trout Brook Crossing Picnic Area bridge in T6R9 WELS; then following the northern

10 shore of Trout Brook westerly to Wadleigh Brook in T6R9 WELS; then following the western shore of Wadleigh Brook northerly to the Baxter State Park Tote Road bridge in T6R9 WELS; then following the Baxter State Park Tote Rd southwest- erly to the T6R9 WELS southern boundary line; then following the T6R9 WELS southern boundary line westerly to the T6R10 WELS southern boundary line; then following the T6R10 WELS southern boundary line westerly to the point of origin on the western boundary of Baxter State Park in T6R10 WELS.

WMD 5 features remote commercial forestland with very limited agricultural lands and a few small towns. Northern access through North Maine Woods* checkpoints at Ashland and Oxbow. Access to the southern portion of the WMD through Patten and North Maine Woods Telos checkpoint. Individuals hunting in this area must bring all equipment and supplies needed. Commercial sporting camps are available. Baxter State Park is closed to hunting.

WMD 5 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps #50, 51, 52, 55, 56, 57, 58, 61, 62, 63, and 64.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 6 [Central Aroostook Co. Farmland]

WMD 6 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the point at Knowles Corner in Moro Plt where State Highway #212 intersects State Highway #11; then following State Highway #11 northerly to the Beaver Brook Rd in Nashville Plt; then following the Beaver Brook Rd northeasterly to the High Meadow Rd in Perham; then following the High Meadow Rd easterly to State Highway #228 in Perham; then following State Highway #228 easterly to State Highway #1 in Caribou; then following State Highway #1 northerly to State Highway #89 in Caribou; then following State Highway #89 northeasterly to State Highway #1A in Limestone; then following State Highway #1A southerly to State highway #229 in Limestone; then following State Highway #229 easterly to the Maine-New Brunswick border in Limestone; then following the Maine-New Brunswick border southerly to the Interstate Highway #95 terminus at the Maine-New Brunswick border in Houlton; then following Interstate Highway #95 westerly to State Highway #2 in Smyrna; then following State Highway #2 westerly to State Highway #212 in Merrill; then following State Highway #212 northwesterly to the point of origin on State Highway #11 at Knowles Corner in Moro Plt.

WMD 6 features intensive agricultural and commercial forestlands interspersed with small towns. Access through public roads, logging roads and numerous waterways. Please ask landowners for permission to hunt on farmlands, especially managed croplands.

WMD 6 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps # 52, 53, 58, 59, 64, and 65.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 7 [Western Maine Mountains - Rangeley Area]

WMD 7 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the point where State Highway #26 intersects the Maine-New Hampshire border in Upton; then following the Maine-New Hampshire border northerly to Maine-Quebec border; then following the Maine-Quebec border northerly to the point where State Highway #27 intersects the Maine-Quebec border in Coburn Gore; then following State Highway #27 southeasterly to State Highway #142 in Kingfield; then following State Highway #142 southwesterly to the Byron Rd at Weld Corner in Weld; then following the Byron Rd westerly to State Highway #17 in Byron; then following State Highway #17 westerly to the Roxbury Pond Rd in Byron; then following the Roxbury Pond Rd southwesterly to the Beaver Brook Rd in Byron; then following the Beaver Brook Rd southwesterly to the South Arm Rd in Andover; then following the South Arm Rd southerly to State Highway #120 in Andover; then following State Highway #120 westerly to the East B Hill Rd in Andover; then following the East B Hill Rd westerly to State Highway #26 in Upton; then following State Highway #26 to the point of origin at the Maine-New Hamp- shire border in Upton.

WMD 7 features fairly accessible commercial forestland reached by major public roads and waterways. Logging roads make much of the interior sections accessible. Good access to equipment, services, and supplies in the southern and eastern portions of the district. Remote area hunters should bring all equipment and supplies needed. Private and com- mercial sporting camps are scattered throughout the WMD. This area is not within the North Maine Woods* area, and, except for gated roads, access is generally open to the public at no charge.

WMD 7 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps # 17, 18, 19, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 38.

11 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 8 [Western Maine Mountains - Eustis to Jackman Area]

WMD 8 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the point where State Highway #27 intersects the Maine-Quebec border in Coburn Gore; then following the Maine Quebec border northerly to the point where the Golden Rd intersects the Maine-Quebec border in T5R20 WELS; then following the Golden Rd southeasterly to the Old Caucomgomoc Rd in Seboomook Twp; then following the Old Caucomgomoc Rd southerly to the western shore of Moosehead Lake in Seboomook Twp; then following the western shore of Moosehead Lake southerly to Wiggins Brook in Greenville; then following Wiggins Brook southerly to State Highway #6 in Greenville; then following State Highway #6 southerly to the Upper Shirley Rd in Shirley; then following the Upper Shirley Rd westerly to the CC Rd in Shirley; then following the CC Rd westerly to the Moxie Pond Rd in East Moxie Twp; then following the Moxie Pond Rd westerly to State Highway #201 in The Forks Plt; then following State Highway #201 northerly to the bridge across the Kennebec River in The Forks Plt; then following the western shore of the Kennebec River southerly to Central Maine Power transmission line in Pleasant Ridge Plt; then following the Central Maine Power transmission line northwesterly to the Long Falls Dam Rd in Carrying Place Town Twp; then following the Long Falls Dam Rd southerly to the Poplar Stream Carriage Rd in Carrabasset Valley; then following the Poplar Stream Carriage Rd southwesterly to State Highway #27 in Carrabasset Valley; then following State Highway #27 northwesterly to the point of origin at the Maine-Quebec Border in Coburn Gore.

WMD 8 features fairly accessible commercial forestland reached by major public roads and waterways. Logging roads make much of the interior sections accessible. Access to the northern section of the district is through North Maine Woods at Twenty Mile gate (south of Pittston Farm). Equipment, services, and supplies are available at Jackman and Rockwood. Remote area hunters should bring all equipment and supplies needed. Private and commercial sporting camps are scattered throughout the WMD.

WMD 8 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps # 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 47, 48, and 49.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 9 [Western Maine Mountains - East of Moosehead Lake]

WMD 9 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the point where Wiggins Brook crosses State Highway #6 in Greenville; then following Wiggins Brook northerly to the shore of Moosehead Lake in Greenville; then following the western shore of Moosehead Lake northerly to the Old Caucomgomoc Rd in Seboomook Twp; then following the Old Caucomgomoc Rd northerly to the Golden Rd in Seboomook Twp; then following the Golden Rd southeasterly to the Telos Rd in T3R11 WELS; then following the Telos Rd northerly to the West Branch Penobscot River in T3R11 WELS; then following the northern shore of the West Branch Penobscot River and the northern shore of the lakes formed along the West Branch Penobscot River to the State Highway #11 bridge in T3 Indian Purchase; then following State Highway #11 southwesterly to the Katahdin Iron Works Rd in T5R9 NWP; then following the Katahdin Iron Works Rd westerly to the Greenville Rd in Bowdoin College Grant West; then following the Greenville Rd westerly to North Main St. in Greenville; then following North Main Street southerly to State Highway #6 in Greenville; then following State Highway #6 westerly to the point of origin at the Wiggins Brook bridge in Greenville.

WMD 9 features fairly accessible commercial forestland reached by major public roads, waterways and logging roads. Equipment, services, and supplies are available at Greenville and nearby Millinocket (WMD 10) and to a lesser degree at locations in Kokadjo, Ripogenus Dam, and Seboomook. Remote area hunters should bring all equipment and supplies needed. Access to the southern portion of the district through the Katahdin Iron Works/Jo-Mary Multiple Use Forest*** checkpoints at Katahdin Iron Works and Jo-Mary (north of Brownville). Private and commercial sporting camps are scattered throughout the district.

WMD 9 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps # 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 49, and 50.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 10 [Western Maine Mountains - Foothills East of Baxter Park]

WMD 10 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the point where the Canadian Atlantic Railway tracks intersects State Highway #11 in Brownville; then following State Highway #11 northeasterly to the bridge at Elbow Lake (West Branch Penobscot River) in T3 Indian Purchase; then following the northern shore of the West Branch Penobscot River and the northern shores of the lakes formed by the West Branch Penobscot River northwesterly to the T3R10 WELS southern boundary line; then following the T3R10 WELS southern boundary line easterly to the T3R9

12 WELS southern boundary line; then following the T3R9 WELS southern boundary line easterly to the eastern boundary of Baxter State Park (T3R9 WELS western boundary line); then following the eastern boundary of Baxter State park northerly to the Matagamon Rd in T6R8 WELS; then following the Matagamon Rd easterly to State Highway #159 in Mount Chase Plt; then following State Highway #159 southeasterly to State Highway #11 in Patten; then following State Highway #11 southerly to State Highway #158 in Sherman; then following State Highway #158 easterly to Interstate Highway #95 in Sherman; then following Interstate Highway #95 southerly to the Canadian Atlantic Railway tracks in T2R8 NWP; then following the Canadian Atlantic Railway tracks westerly to the point of origin where the Canadian Atlantic Railway tracks intersects State Highway #11 in Brownville.

WMD 10 features fairly accessible commercial forestland reached by major public roads, waterways and logging roads. Equipment, services, and supplies are available at Millinocket and to a lesser degree at locations in Medway and Patten. Remote area hunters should bring all equipment and supplies needed. Access to the southern portion of the district through the Katahdin Iron Works/Jo-Mary Multiple Use Forest*** checkpoint at Jo-Mary (north of Brownville). Private and commercial sporting camps are scattered throughout the district.

WMD 10 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps # 32, 33, 42, 43, 44, 50, 51, and 52.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 11 [S. Aroostook, N. Penobscot, N. Washington Co. Farm-Woodlands]

WMD 11 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the point where State Highway #157 intersects Interstate Highway #95 in Medway; then following Interstate Highway #95 northerly to State Highway #158 in Sherman; then following State Highway #158 westerly to State Highway #11 in Sherman; then following State Highway #11 northerly to State Highway #212 at Knowles Corner in Moro Plt; then following State Highway #212 southeasterly to State Highway #2 in Merrill; then following State Highway #2 easterly to Interstate Highway #95 in Smyrna; then following Interstate Highway #95 easterly to the Maine-New Brunswick border in Houlton; then following the Maine-New Brunswick border southerly to State Highway #6 in Vanceboro; then following State Highway #6 westerly to State Highway #168 in Lee; then following State Highway #168 northerly to State Highway #2 in Winn; then following State Highway #2 northerly to State Highway #157 in Mattawamkeag; then following State Highway #157 northwesterly to the point of origin at Interstate Highway #95 in Medway.

WMD 11 features large areas of commercial forestland and several local areas of agricultural land. Access by public roads, numerous waterways, and logging roads. Equipment, services, and supplies are available at Houlton, Medway, Patten, and Sherman. Remote area hunters should bring all equipment and supplies needed. Private and commercial sporting camps are scattered throughout the district. This area is not within the North Maine Woods* area and, except for gated roads and Indian territories, access is generally open to the public at no charge.

WMD 11 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps # 43, 44, 45, 46, 52, and 53.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 12 [Western Mountain Foothills - Upper Androscoggin Valley]

WMD 12 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the point where the Govern- ment Rd intersects the Maine-New Hampshire border in Stow; then following the Maine-New Hampshire border northerly to State Highway #26 in Upton; then following State Highway #26 southeasterly to the East B Hill Rd in Upton; then following the East B Hill Rd southeasterly to State Highway #120 in Andover; then following State Highway #120 easterly to the South Arm Rd in Andover; then following the South Arm Rd northerly to the Beaver Brook Rd in Andover; then following the Beaver Brook Rd northeasterly to the Roxbury Pond Rd in Byron; then following the Roxbury Pond Rd northeasterly to State Highway #17 in Byron; then following State Highway #17 easterly to the Byron Rd in Byron; then following the Byron Rd easterly to State Highway #142 in Weld; then following State Highway #142 southeasterly to State Highway #156 in Weld; then following State Highway #156 southeasterly to State Highway #4 in Wilton; then following State Highway #4 southerly to State Highway #140 in Jay; then following State Highway #140 southerly to State Highway #108 in Canton; then following State Highway #108 southeasterly to State Highway #4 in Livermore; then following State Highway #4 southerly to State Highway #219 in Turner; then following State Highway #219 westerly to the Greenwood-Norway Rd in Greenwood; then following the Greenwood-Norway Rd southerly to State Highway #118 in Norway; then following State Highway #118 westerly to State Highway #5 in Albany Twp; then following State Highway #5 westerly to the Evergreen Valley Rd in Lovell; then following the Evergreen Valley Rd westerly to the Government Rd in Stoneham; then following the Government Rd westerly to the point of origin at the Maine-New Hampshire border in Stow.

13 WMD 12 features a mixture of settled areas, interspersed with agricultural land, and private and commercial forestland. Northern portion of the district contains large tracts of commercial forestland. Southern two-thirds of the WMD is mostly small villages containing private farmland. Access through public roads and private logging roads. Equipment, services, and supplies are available in most villages.

WMD 12 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps # 10, 11, 17, 18, and 19.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 13 [Western Mountain Foothills - Franklin and Somerset Co. Areas]

WMD 13 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the point where State Highway #156 intersects State Highway #142 in Weld; then following State Highway #142 northeasterly to State Highway #27 in Kingfield; then following State Highway #27 northerly to the Poplar Stream Carriage Rd in Carrabasset Valley; then follow- ing the Poplar Stream Carriage Rd northeasterly to the Long Falls Dam Rd in Carrabasset Valley; then following the Long Falls Dam Rd northerly to the Central Maine Power Co. transmission line in Carrabasset Valley; then following the Central Maine Power Co. transmission line southeasterly to the western shore of the Kennebec River in Pleasant Ridge Plt; then following the western shore of the Kennebec River southerly to the State Highway #148 bridge in Anson; then following State Highway #148 southwesterly to State Highway #43 in Industry; then following State Highway #43 southwesterly to State Highway #4 in Farmington; then following State Highway #4 southwesterly to State Highway #156 in Wilton; then following State Highway #156 to the point of origin at the intersection with State Highway #142 in Weld.

WMD 13 features a mixture of settled areas, interspersed with agricultural land and private and commercial forestland. Access through public roads and private logging roads. Equipment, services, and supplies are available in most villages.

WMD 13 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps # 19, 20, 29, and 30.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 14 [Western Mountain Foothills - South and East of Moosehead Lake]

WMD 14 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the bridge where State High- way #16 crosses the Kennebec River in Concord Twp; then following the western shore of the Kennebec River northerly to the State Highway #201 bridge in The Forks Plt; then following State Highway #201 southerly to the Moxie Pond Rd in The Forks Twp; then following the Moxie Pond Rd easterly to the CC Rd in East Moxie Twp; then following the CC Rd easterly to the Upper Shirley Rd in Shirley; then following the Upper Shirley Rd easterly to State Highway #6 in Shirley; then follow- ing State Highway #6 northerly to North Main Street in Greenville; then following North Main Street northerly to the Greenville-to-Katahdin Iron Works Rd in Greenville; then following the Greenville-to-Katahdin Iron Works Rd easterly to the Katahdin Iron Works Rd in Bowdoin College Grant West; then following the Katahdin Iron Works Rd easterly to State Highway #11 in T5R9 NWP; then following State Highway #11 southerly to State Highway #16 in Milo; then following State Highway #16 to the point of origin at the Kennebec River bridge in Concord Plt.

WMD 14 features fairly accessible commercial forestland interspersed with a few, small towns and scattered farms. Access through major public roads, waterways and logging roads. Access to the northeastern portion of the district through the Katahdin Iron Works/Jo-Mary Multiple Use Forest*** checkpoint at Katahdin Iron Works. Equipment, services, and supplies are available in much of the area.

WMD 14 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps #30, 31, 32, 40, 41, and 42.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 17 [North-Central Maine Farm-Woodlands]

WMD 17 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the bridge where Interstate Highway #95 crosses the Kennebec River in Fairfield; then following the western shore of the Kennebec River, northerly to the State Highway #16 bridge in Concord Twp; then following State Highway #16 easterly to the Bangor and Aroostook Railway tracks in Milo; then following the Bangor and Aroostook Railway tracks southerly to State Highway #221 in Glenburn; then following State Highway #221 southerly to State Highway #15 in Bangor; then following State Highway #15 southerly to Interstate Highway #95 in Bangor; then following Interstate Highway #95 southerly and westerly to the point of origin on the bridge across the Kennebec River in Fairfield.

14 WMD 17 features a mixture of forest and agricultural land, several small towns, and a few cities. Access through public roads and private logging roads. Equipment, services, and supplies are available in developed areas.

WMD 17 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps # 20, 21, 22, 23, 30, 31, 32, and 33.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 18 [Mid - Penobscot River Valley]

WMD 18 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the point where State Highway #9 crosses the Penobscot River in Bangor; then following State Highway #9 westerly to State Highway #15 in Bangor; then following State Highway #15 westerly to State Highway #221 in Bangor; then following State Highway #221 northerly to the Bangor and Aroostook Railway tracks in Glenburn; then following the Bangor and Aroostook Railway tracks northerly to State Highway #16 in Milo; then following State Highway #16 easterly to State Highway #11 in Milo; then following State Highway #11 northerly to the Canadian Atlantic Railway tracks in Brownville; then following the Canadian Atlantic Railway tracks easterly to Interstate Highway #95 in T2R8 NWP; then following Interstate Highway #95 northerly to State Highway #157 in Medway; then following State Highway #157 southeasterly to State Highway #2 in Mattawamkeag; then following State Highway #2 southerly to State Highway #168 in Winn; then following State Highway #168 southerly to State Highway #6 in Lee; then following State Highway #6 easterly to the Skunk Hill Rd in Lee; then following the Skunk Hill Rd southerly to the Weir Pond Rd in Lee; then following the Weir Pond Rd southerly to the bridge across the East Branch Passadumkeag River in T3R1 NBPP; then following the eastern shore of the East Branch Passadumkeag River southerly to the main stem of the Passadumkeag River in T3R1 NBPP; then following the eastern shore of the Passadumkeag River to Nicatous Stream in T3 ND; then following the eastern shore of Nicatous Stream to Nicatous Lake in T3 ND; then follow- ing the northern and eastern shores of Nicatous Lake to Coombs Brook in T41 MD; then following the eastern shore of Coombs Brook southerly to the Deer Lake Rd (32-00-00 Rd) bridge in T41 MD; then following the Deer Lake Rd (32-00-00 Rd) southerly to the Stud Mill Rd in T34 MD; then following the Stud Mill Rd westerly to Alligator Lake Rd (27-00-00 Rd) in T34 MD; then following the 27-00-00 Rd southerly to the 29-00-00 Rd in T28 MD; then following the 29-00-00 Rd southerly to State Highway #9 in T28 MD; then following State Highway #9 westerly to the point of origin at the Penobscot River Bridge in Bangor.

WMD 18 features private and commercial forestlands, agricultural lands, several small towns, and a few cities. Access through numerous public roads, logging roads, and waterways. This WMD is not within the North Maine Woods area, and except for gated roads and Indian territories, access is generally open to the public at no charge. Equipment, services, and supplies are available in developed areas. Private and commercial sporting camps are scattered throughout the district.

WMD 18 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps # 23, 24, 32, 33, 34, 43, and 44.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 19 [Eastern Maine Woodlands - North of the Airline]

WMD 19 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the point where the 29-00-00 Rd (Alligator Lake Rd) intersects State Highway #9 in T28 MD; then following the 29-00-00 Rd northerly to the 27-00-00 Rd in T28 MD; then following the 27-00-00 Rd northerly to the Stud Mill Rd in T34 MD; then following the Stud Mill Rd easterly to the Deer Lake Rd (32-00-00 Rd) in T34 MD; then following the Deer Lake Rd (32-00-00 Rd) northerly to Coombs Brook in T41 MD; then following the eastern shore of Coombs Brook to Nicatous Lake in T41 MD; then following the eastern and northern shores of Nicatous Lake to Nicatous Stream in T3 ND; then following the eastern shore of Nicatous Stream to the Passadumkeag River in T3 ND; then following the eastern shore of the Passadumkeag river northerly to the East Branch Passadumkeag River in T3R1 NBPP; then following the eastern shore of the East Branch Passadumkeag River northerly to the Weir Pond Rd in T3R1 NBPP; then following the Weir Pond Rd northerly to the Skunk Hill Rd in Lee; then following the Skunk Hill Rd northerly to State Highway #6 in Lee; then following State Highway #6 easterly to the Maine-New Brunswick border in Vanceboro; then following the Maine-New Brunswick border southerly to Stony Brook in Baileyville; then following the western shore of Stony Brook southerly to State Highway #9 in Baileyville; then following State Highway #9 westerly to the point of origin at the intersection with the 29-00-00 Rd (Alligator Lake Rd) in T28 MD.

WMD 19 features industrial forestlands, agricultural lands,and a few small towns on the fringes of the WMD. Access through public roads, logging roads, and waterways. This WMD is not within the North Maine Woods area, and except for gated roads and Indian territories, access is generally open to the public at no charge. Equipment, services, and supplies available in scattered area towns. Private and commercial sporting camps are scattered throughout the district.

WMD 19 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps # 24, 25, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, and 46.

15 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 28 [Eastern Maine Woodlands - South of the Airline]

WMD 28 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the point where the former Maine Central Railway right-of-way intersects State Highway #200 in Franklin; then following State Highway #200 northerly to State Highway #179 in Waltham; then following State Highway #179 northerly to State Highway #9 in Aurora; then following State Highway #9 easterly to the Cooper Rd in Alexander; then following the Cooper Rd southerly to State Highway #191 in Cooper; then following State Highway #191 southerly to the bridge across the East Machias River (green bridge) in East Machias; then following the southern shore of the East Machias River westerly to the outlet of Hadley Lake; then following the eastern and southern shores of Hadley Lake westerly to the outlet brook to Lily Lake in East Machias; then following the southern shore of the outlet brook to Lily Lake westerly to the Hadley Lake Rd in East Machias; then following the Hadley Lake Rd southerly to the Cross Rd in Marshfield; then following the Cross Rd westerly to State Highway #192 in Marshfield; then following State Highway #192 northerly to the Marshfield Rd in Marshfield; then following the Marshfield Rd southwest- erly to State Highway #1A in Whitneyville; then following State Highway #1A southwesterly to the former Maine Central Railway right-of-way crossing in Whitneyville; then following the former Maine Central Railway right-of-way westerly to the point of origin at the intersection with State Highway #200 in Waltham.

WMD 28 features industrial and private forestlands, agricultural lands, and several small towns scattered around the periph- ery of the WMD. Access through public roads, logging roads, and waterways. This WMD is not within the North Maine Woods area, and except for gated roads and Indian territories, access is generally open to the public at no charge. Equip- ment, services, and supplies available in scattered area towns.

WMD 28 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps # 24, 25, 26, 35, and 36.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 29 [Cobbscook Bay Area]

WMD 29 shall be that portion of the state located within the following bounds: Beginning at the State Highway #191 (green) bridge across the East Machias River in East Machias; then following State Highway #191 northerly to the Cooper Rd in Cooper; then following the Cooper Rd northerly to State Highway #9 in Alexander; then following State Highway #9 easterly to Stony Brook in Baileyville; then following the western shore of Stony Brook northerly to the Maine-New Brunswick border in Baileyville; then following the Maine-New Brunswick border easterly and southeasterly to the Atlantic Ocean in Lubec; then following the coast of Maine southwesterly to the Machias River in Machiasport; then following the eastern shore of the Machias River northerly to the East Machias River in East Machias; then following the eastern shore of the East Machias River to the Willow Street Bridge (also known as the lower bridge) in East Machias; then following Willow Street across the river to the western shore of the East Machias River; then following the western shore of the East Machias River northerly to the point of origin at the State Highway #191 bridge across the East Machias River in East Machias.

WMD 29 features industrial and private forestlands, agricultural lands, scattered small towns, and a few small cities. Access through public roads, logging roads, and waterways. This WMD is not within the North Maine Woods area, and except for gated roads and Indian territories, access is generally open to the public at no charge. Equipment, services, and supplies available in developed areas. Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is closed to moose hunting.

WMD 29 is located on the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps # 26, 27, 36, and 37.

16 MOOSE REGISTRATION STATIONS

All moose must be presented for registration at the first open moose registration station on the route taken by the hunter. Evidence of gender must remain attached to at least one part of a dressed animal if it is dismembered and transported in several pieces. After your moose is legally registered, wildlife biologists may ask to examine it and take a few measurements. NOTE: Moose are weighed at some (not all) registration stations for the convenience of the hunter.

To register a moose, the permittee must be present, and the person who killed it must present their hunting license and the moose hunting permit to the registration agent. The agent will ask the hunter when (date and time) and where (township, county, and location on DeLorme’s Maine Atlas) the moose was killed. If the successful hunter employed a guide or hunted with another person more familiar with the location of the kill, that person should accompany the hunter to the registration agent. If no one in the hunting party is familiar with the location, be sure to record the directions (turns and distances) from the location of the kill to a known landmark.

Moose registration stations are listed below. Stations with the capability to weigh moose are indicated with an * (a small weighing fee is charged).

Town Station Location Hours Telephone Aroostook County Ashland Gateway Variety Store Garfield Rd. (.5 mi west of 8am-8pm (M-Sa) 435-6890 Aroostook River) 8am-12pm (Su)

*Fort Kent First & Last Variety Rt. 161, 1.3 mi west of 7am-8pm (M-Sa) 834-4215 intersection w/ Rt. 11 7am-12pm (Su)

Houlton Mac’s Trading Post Rt. 1, 1/4 mi. north of I-95, 7am-8pm (M-Sa) 532-9700 across from William’s Pools 7am-5:30pm (Su)

Island Falls Porter’s Mobil Rt. 159 (east of I-95 exit 276) 6am-7pm (M-Th) 463-2255 6am-8pm (F, Sa) 8am-6pm (Su)

Macawahoc Delaite’s Store Jct. Rt. 2 and Rt. 170 6am-7pm (M-F) 765-2417 7am-7pm (Sa) 9am-5pm (Su)

*New Sweden Northstar Variety Rt. 161 at corner of Rt. 161 6am-9pm (M-Sa) 896-3239 and Westmanland Rd. 9am-9pm (Su)

Presque Isle Perry’s Mini Mart Rt. 1, 6 mi south of Presque 6am-8pm (M-Sa) 764-4561 Isle, 8 mi north of Mars Hill 7am-8pm (Su)

St. Pamphile1 North Maine Woods Checkpoint 6am-8pm (M-Sa) 418-356-2411 Closed Sunday

Franklin County *Eustis Pines Market Route 27 6am-9pm (M-F) 246-4221 7am-9pm (Sa-Su)

*Rangeley Oquossoc Grocery Route 4 (Carry Road), 6am-7pm (M-Th) 864-3662 Oquossoc Village, Rangeley 6am-8pm (Fr-Sa) 6am-6pm (Su)

Hancock County Amherst Amherst General Store Route 9 5am-8pm (M-F) 584-5805 6am-8pm (Sa) 7am-8pm (Su)

Ellsworth Willey’s Sport Shop Mill Mall on Route 1A 9am-8pm (M-Sa) 667-2511 10am-12pm (Su)

1 Hunters entering Canada are also required to pass through Canadian Customs Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

17 MOOSE REGISTRATION STATIONS cont’d Town Station Location Hours Telephone Oxford County Andover Mills Market Route 5 4:30am-8pm (M-Sa) 392-3062 5:30am-8pm (Su)

Stoneham AJ’s Everything Route 5 6am-8pm (Daily) 928-2454

West Paris J&K Sporting Goods 112 Bethel Road 8am-5pm (Daily) 674-3188

Penobscot County *Burlington Burlington General Store Route 188 7am-8pm (Su-Th) 732-4259 7am-9pm (Fr-Sa)

*Medway Lenny’s Superette Route 157 at jct. w/ Rt. 116, 5am-10pm (M-Sa) 746-5100 1 mi west of I-95 exit 244 6am-10pm (Su)

*Mount Chase Wilderness Variety Store Rt. 159 in Shin Pond 5:30am-8pm (Daily) 528-2626 or 528-2528

*Old Town Old Town Trading Post Jct. Rt. 43 and Rt. 16, 8am-6pm (M-Sa) 827-7032 east of I-95 exit 197 9am-3pm (Su)

*Springfield Smith’s Gen. Store (Irving) East of jct. Rts. 6 and 169 6:30am-8pm (Su-Th) 738-2171 6:30am-9pm (F-Sa)

T2R 10 WELS Abol Bridge Campground Store Golden Road, E of Abol Bridge 7am-7 pm (Daily) No Phone

Piscataquis County *Greenville MDIFW Regional HQ 0.3 mi north of town on Lily 8am-8pm (M-Sa) 695-3756 Bay Road, left on Village St. 8am-12pm (Su)

*Kokadjo Kokadjo Trading Post Kokadjo Settlement 6am-10pm (Daily) 695-3993

Milo C&J Variety (Irving Gas) 86 Park Street (Rt. 11) 4:30am-10pm (M-Th) 943-2121 4:30am-12am (F) 5am-12am (Sa) 7am-10pm (Su) Somerset County *Jackman Bishop’s Store Main Street 7am-10pm (Daily) 668-3411

*Palmyra Moosehead Tr. Trading Post 428 Oxbow Road 8am-6pm (M-F) 368-5313 8am-5pm (Sa)

*Solon Griswold’s Store and Diner Route 201 6am-9pm (Su-W) 643-2771 6am-11pm (Th-Sa)

Washington County Columbia Four Corner’s Rod & Gun Route 1 8am-6pm (M-Th, Sa) 483-2506 8am-8pm (F) 9am-12pm (Su)

*Grand Lake Pine Tree Store Milford Rd. (near hatchery) 7am-8pm (Daily) 796-5027 Stream

Machias Coffin’s True Value Route 1 8am-5pm (M-Sa) 255-8387 8am-12pm (Su)

Pembroke Johnson’s Annex Route 1 8am-8pm (M-Sa) 726-5566 8am-12pm (Su)

Topsfield Daggett’s Country Store Route 1, south of jct. w/ Rt. 6 5am-8pm (M-Sa) 796-2966 8am-8pm (Su)

18 MOOSE REGISTRATION STATIONS cont’d Town Station Location Hours Telephone Washington County cont’d T31MD Cloud 9 Store Route 9, 4 mi west of jct. of 8am-8pm (M-Sa) 255-8758 (near Wesley) Routes 9 and 192 8am-12pm (Su)

HUNTER ETHICS

Ethics can be described as standards of behavior that are considered to be morally right, even without the benefit of legal sanction. Ethical behavior varies somewhat from place to place, depending on local traditions and practices. However, an overall standard of conduct must be established and observed by the hunting fraternity. While hunting is considered a respectable activity in Maine, it is frowned upon in many areas by an increasing number of people. The primary reason for this disapproval is the manner in which some irresponsible hunters conduct themselves in the field.

Instead of formulating a specific list of unacceptable behavior for the hunter, it may be of more value to discuss some desir- able attitudes and criteria which should be used by the ethical sportsman in determining behavior. A hunter's conduct is determined by his or her:

• Philosophy on harvesting game. When you go hunting, what is your objective? Is it to get your limit as fast as pos- sible? The ethical sportsman will look at hunting as an overall outdoor experience. There is pleasure to be gained without even firing a shot! • Preparation. The ethical hunter is always prepared before venturing afield. From selecting the right firearm and knowing how to use it, to being ready for an emergency situation, the sportsman is ready for the expected...and the unexpected. • Commitment to the sport of hunting above any personal accomplishments. The ethical hunter always puts the survival of the sport first. Whatever is best for the image of the sport must take priority, even if it means passing up a trophy shot or not taking the limit when you know the population is down. Remember, you are always being watched by your son or daughter, hunting companions, landowners and even strangers. Your behavior will reflect back on you...and on your sport. • Use of traditional skills and methods of fair chase. The sportsman will want to match wits with the game hunted. Challenge yourself. Selfish and unethical actions degrade the hunter and the sport. • Regard for the feelings of others. Always consider other people, especially landowners and non-hunters. Hunt safely. Ensure that your conduct is not offensive. Be prepared to justify your actions. Many people don't appreciate a sign blown full of holes, a messy campsite, or a dead animal on display on your vehicle or at your home or camp. • Willingness to obey the unwritten laws. There are a lot of situations in hunting that are technically legal, but shouldn't be done anyway, for both ethical and safety reasons. It's not illegal to stalk a calling turkey, or to shoot a turkey that has responded to another hunter's calling. It's not illegal, but it's not right, and it can be dangerous. • Attitude toward wildlife. The ethical hunter must respect the game being hunted, as well as other wildlife. Part of this respect includes not harvesting more than the limit, not harvesting animals not wanted for a specific purpose, and having the proper size firearm and skill to ensure a clean, one shot kill. • Respect for the law. The laws are there to protect people and to protect wildlife. Even if you don't agree with all of them, the ethical hunter obeys all the laws all the time, and he/she reports those who don't. Remember, it's your resource.

ATTENTION MAINE MOOSE HUNTERS Moose hunting in Maine is exciting and unmatched anywhere. However, along with this great hunting opportunity comes the requirement for enhanced sportsman ethics due to unique hunting situations and special hunting regulations. • The majority of moose hunting in Maine takes place within the industrial timberlands of the state. Most of this hunting territory is somewhat remote and privately owned. A major portion of this area is crisscrossed with private logging roads that are generally open for public use. Be alert for log trucks. They are very large, hard to maneuver and stop, and ALWAYS have the right-of-way. If you stop your vehicle for any reason, pull well off the road. Do not park where your vehicle will interfere with log hauling. Do not hunt near active timber harvesting operations. • Most of the major landowners prohibit ATVs and other “off-road” vehicles on their lands and roads. • Obtain landowner permission before you hunt and always remember that you are a steward of the land. Treat the property of others as if it was yours, to ensure access for all in the future. • Anyone who hunts moose with a firearm in the moose-hunting district during the moose season must wear an article of solid-colored hunter orange clothing that is visible from all sides and in good and serviceable condition. • To ensure a quality hunting experience, keep some distance between you and other moose hunters and especially, between you and the non-hunting public. Don’t hunt along well-traveled roads or near camps, recreation areas or popular moose-watching sites.

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21 PLANNING YOUR MOOSE HUNT

Preseason planning for your moose hunt may be the most important part of your hunt. Unless you live within the moose hunting district where you will hunt, an extensive amount of planning is required to make your moose hunt successful and, most importantly, enjoyable.

At one time, locating a moose was as easy as driving the roads and scouting clear-cuts. As the numbers of moose permits have increased over the years, traffic on the network of access roads has doubled. Moose have become warier and are less likely to be found standing in the clear waiting for the opportunistic hunter. In addition, the number of roadside clear cuts with 5-15 year old growth has decreased. This has resulted in limited visibility for roadside hunters.

One method for avoiding crowds and increasing the odds in your favor is to hunt moose off the beaten path. Hunting moose in this fashion is not much different from hunting white-tailed deer. Many of the same techniques apply, with one exception- you may find yourself with an animal on the ground that weighs nearly 1,000 pounds. To do a traditional hunt successfully, you will need to plan your hunt carefully. More than likely, you will not be able to drive to where the animal falls. This will require that you have the proper equipment with you to field butcher your animal, pack it out and transport it to a tagging station.

The majority of moose hunting in Maine occurs within the industrial timberlands of the state and is somewhat remote. Make sure to bring along sufficient maps of your hunting area and extra fuel and additional spare tires for your vehicles and trailers.

It is important to take time prior to your hunt to scout your district and find areas moose frequent in search of food, water and bedding. Places to look include five to fifteen year old clear cuts. These are favorite spots for browsing moose. In the fall they are often found in areas where poplars grow. Do not exclude high terrain where big bulls can often be found during the warmer parts of the day. Older, over-grown clearcuts still offer good food and bedding areas for moose. Even after the rut, many bulls are still on the move looking for cows. If you put your time in scouting a week before the hunt, your chance of success will improve. Remember that moose do not like the heat of the day and are more likely to be on the move in the late afternoon and early morning.

For additional assistance in planning your moose hunt or for lodging opportunities, you may want to contact the Maine Professional Guides Association (www.maineguides.org) or the Maine Sporting Camp Association (www.visitmaine.com/sportcamp.html).

MOOSE HUNTING TECHNIQUES

Moose hunting in Maine is a rare opportunity, so consider making your hunt a traditional hunt off the beaten path!

Maine has one of the largest moose populations in the lower 48 states, and they live in areas interspersed with miles of logging roads. Because it is easy to cover many miles along the roads while searching for moose, many hunters may miss the experience of a more traditional hunt. A law change allowing hunters to leave more moose parts in the woods makes it much easier to hunt away from the road.

There are many different ways to hunt backcountry moose.

With miles of shoreline along lakes and ponds, rivers, and streams throughout the moose hunting districts, water hunts via a canoe can be especially successful, allowing you to slide up quietly on an unsuspecting moose. Floating, when used in conjunction with calling, can be most effective, allowing you to cover greater ground and provide for a wonderful hunting experience. When hunting near water, alternate calling and pouring water to simulate a moose walking and feeding in the water. Keep in mind that shooting a moose in the water can cause enormous difficulties. Some will sink, and all are hard to get ashore.

Walking and Stalking is another effective method. Once you have located holding areas for moose with your scouting, try to find old logging roads or jeep trails that are no longer traveled. A DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer will often help in locating these older roads. These make ideal paths for stalking. Slowly walk the road, stopping every so often to call, wait 15 minutes and then continue your walk. When hunting with a call, give the moose plenty of time to respond; often they will travel over a mile to investigate the call, sometimes without making a sound.

22 If you have found a prime area that moose frequently visit, you may consider building a blind, or a series of blinds over a wide area. You may want to build a morning blind and an afternoon blind. There are plenty of downed trees and brush available to construct a suitable build. Pick out a good spot, allowing for good visibility, comfort and quiet sitting. Calling is optional, but can be very effective. Attracting scents such as a cow in heat and bull urine, scent sticks, and scented gels can help draw animals within range of your blind. These work especially well if applied the night before you plan to sit.

Hunting from a tree stand can give the added advantage over a blind by increasing your visibility and getting your scent off the ground. Again, calling is effective, but sitting quietly works well if you’re hunting an active trail. Remember to refresh yourself on the laws applying to the use of tree stands.

MOOSE CALLS

During the rut, both cow and bull moose respond to a variety of calls. Cows will respond to cow calls, looking for compan- ions, as will bulls looking to mate. If you plan to call, you first need to select a call and practice. It is especially effective to practice on real moose during your pre-scouting.

First, consider using one of many commercially produced calls. These calls are well designed and have been exten- sively tested. When used by a hunter who has practiced, they deliver the right sound.

If you desire a more traditional call, construct a “bull horn” from birch bark, much the same as the Native Americans did.

Another form of a “bull horn” is to use a large coffee can. Put a small hole in the center of the bottom and soak a 24-inch rawhide string in water overnight. Feed the rawhide through the bottom of the can, securing with a knot. By pulling the string through your fingers at varying rates you can easily simulate the desired moose call.

“Bull horn” type calls can be heard over long distances even on windy days. However, hearing a responding call on a windy day can be quite difficult.

Another call is the hand call. To do this, cup both your hands together, and bring them to your mouth. You can simulate both the cow in heat call and bull grunts.

No matter which call or method you choose, it is sure to increase your odds of locating animals and increase the excite- ment of the hunt.

23 CARE OF YOUR MOOSE

Among the big game animals, moose meat is considered the best. It is to your advantage, and it's also your responsibility as a sportsman, to care for your moose properly and to use it fully.

Assuring quality moose meat for the table begins before the hunt and continues right through the choice of cooking recipes.

Suggested Equipment First-time moose hunters should be aware that field care of moose is a LOT of work. Nothing will make it easy, but certain equipment and a bit of know-how will make it much less difficult. Make sure your equipment list includes the following:

• Sharp, stout knife - at least one • Large sheet of polyethylene • 1/4" to 1/2" nylon rope • Sharp axe or hatchet • Sharpening stone • Black pepper - 1/2 pound can • 2 or 3 large plastic bags • Cloth wiping rags • Sturdy hand saw, preferably a boning saw • Game bags, large quantity of cheesecloth, or several old bed sheets • Heavy-duty pulley and/or a winch or come-along --1 ton minimum capacity

Which Moose For You? Moose are abundant enough that you may not want to take the first opportunity. Wait for a good shot and for the right animal.

If the finest eating and ease of transportation are both important to you, consider taking a young animal. Bear in mind that even a calf moose is much larger than the largest white-tailed deer you are ever likely to encounter!

Trophy moose heads are expensive to have mounted and impossible to display properly unless you have a large room with high ceilings. Don't shoot a bull with a trophy rack unless you have a genuine interest in mounting and displaying it.

Making The Kill You should make every effort to kill your moose instantly. This requires use of the proper firearm and the ability to hit vital areas.

Illustration produced by the Swedish Sportsmen's Association Dorsal process Brain of vertebrae Spinal Cord Kid- Liver Skull Rectum neys

10-15 30 Bladder 40 Lower jaw Gullet 60 60 Small intestine Windpipe Heart 80 80 Four-part stomach Lungs Diaphragm 100 100

Illustration by 80 85 A.B. Bubenik

45 50 10 0 10-15 Internal organs of a moose. The best shot placement is in the heart/lung area.

Crichton, V.F.J. 1997. Hunting, Ecology and Management Proportion and percentage of the vital heart/lung area of a of the North American Moose pages 637 & 638, moose from different angels. A quick, humane kill from a Franzmann, A.W. and C.C. Swartz, editors. Smithsonian well-placed shot should be every hunter's goal. Shots should Institution Press, Washington and London, 733. not be taken at a moose that is not clearly visible or in a stance or posture that prevent proper shot placement.

24 To have greatest assurance of making a clean kill, only the larger cartridges are recommended.

NOT Recommended .243 or .244 (6mm) .303 Sav. .38-40 Win. .30-30 Win. .250 (.250/.3000) .32 Win. Spec. .38-55 Win. .35 Rem. .25-06 .32 Rem. .44 Mag. .351 Win. .257 Roberts .32-40 Win. .44-40 Win. .30 Rem.

Recommended .270 Win. .30-06 Sprfld. .308 Win. .284 Win. .444 Marlin .280 Rem. .30-40 Krag. .348 Win. .303 British .8mm Mauser 7 x 57 mm. .300 Sav. .358 Win.

As long as the bullet weight is at least 130 grains, the cartridge used is not as important as good shot placement in making a clean kill. Magnum cartridges are not needed for moose.

If the moose is close enough, and if the head is not to be saved for mounting, a head shot is considered best. Next choice is the heart-lung area, just behind the front shoulder. Rear shots and running shots should be avoided.

Moose seldom drop in their tracks when shot and may not show any indications of having been hit. After shooting, it is best to wait a few minutes before beginning the search, and then do so quietly. Pursued immediately, a wounded moose may travel a great distance before dying. Follow-up every shot - and follow the moose for a distance even if you don't find blood at first.

Important First Steps After The Kill Approach the animal to within 10 feet. Look at its eyes. If they are closed, the animal is probably still alive. If so, kill it with a shot to the base of the ear (if head is not to be mounted).

If the eyes are open and the animal is not moving, prod it with a sturdy stick to determine whether it is alive. When certain it's dead, take each leg separately and straighten it out and rotate it several times. You should do this because, even after death, nerve impulses may cause a leg to strike out suddenly, possibly injuring or even killing the unsuspecting hunter.

If your moose has been hit in the heart or lung region it will bleed internally, and eviscerating the carcass will get rid of the blood. If the shot hit the head or neck, you should cut the main arteries and veins at the base of the neck. Caution: a nerve impulse reaction to this cutting could result in a very dangerous toss of the antlers.

Next, tag the moose with the official transportation tag portion of your moose hunting permit, following instructions on the tag. The full name and address of the person who killed the moose should be written on the transportation tag.

Now is the best time for picture taking - before you get into the dirty work.

Eviscerating It takes patience to gut out a moose properly, but it's a critical step in assuring good tasting moose meat.

Every effort must be made not to rupture the stomach or intestines. Care must be taken to avoid puncturing the bladder or spilling its contents; the bladder is located below (as you look at the animal on its back, ready for gutting) the anus and at the entrance to the pelvic girdle.

It may take two people, or a come-along, to position the moose on its back for the initial cuts. Tie each leg to a nearby sapling to hold it there.

Make the first cut through the hide near the breast, being careful not to pierce the internal organs. With your hand inside the abdominal cavity and the knife pointing outside, continue the incision to the anus. If the head is not to be mounted, continue the incision, in the opposite direction, to the base of the jaw. If you plan to mount the head, cut only to the brisket.

Open the abdomen, exposing the viscera; then using your axe, split up the chest bone to the brisket, exposing the chest cavity contents. If your incision is to the base of the jaw bone, cut downward, exposing the trachea (windpipe) and esopha- gus (swallowing tube). Sever these at the base of the jaw, and using traction and cutting as needed, pull downward into the chest cavity. Traction may be applied by a second person or with a come-along, dissect down to the diaphragm, tie a string tightly around the esophagus to prevent contents from contaminating the meat.

25 Cut next around the anus. As soon as several inches of the lower bowel are free, tie it off with a string. Split the hips by cutting to the pelvic bone with a knife, then split the pelvic bone with an axe or knife. Free the rectum and bladder from internal attachments, taking care not to rupture or spill contents.

Next, sever away from the ribs the thin diaphragm muscle that separates the heart-lung compartment from the main digestive tract. You can now turn the moose on one side and, with careful cutting and pulling, roll the viscera out.

Remove the head at the last vertebra. This is a good time to remove the tongue, heart and any other internal organs you intend to eat. The Maine Bureau of Health advises against eating the liver and kidneys of moose because of possible contamination with the heavy metal cadmium (additional information on page 30).

Edible organs must be cooled quickly and kept cool. It is very important to trim away any shot damage. For transportation, nothing is better than a cheesecloth bag. Plastic bags can be used in transit out of the woods, but remove and store the parts in a cool place, out of the direct sun, as soon as possible.

Skinning There are two schools of thought on skinning moose. Some say the hide should be left on to keep the meat clean, deter flies, and prevent drying out; loops cut into the hide of quartered moose also provide convenient "handles." Others say that the quicker cooling of the meat with the hide off offsets the advantages of leaving the hide on. If you plan to have your moose butchered by a professional, contact him in advance to see what he prefers. Some want the hide on, others prefer it off.

Moose meat can spoil in the hams and shoulders within a few hours. If you anticipate any delay in getting the moose into a cooler, you should at least quarter it to allow the heavier portions to cool more quickly. Take every precaution to keep your moose meat free of dirt, debris and, especially, hair and blood.

Skinning the moose is easier if you re-position it on its back and tie the legs again. To remove the hide, cut it down the inside of each leg to the cut made to remove the viscera. Much of the hide can be pulled loose; use your knife to free it when it sticks. Skin out the legs and down both sides as far as you can. Then lay the skin flat and roll the moose onto one side and skin down and along the back. Then roll it over and finish skinning the other side.

Quartering Depending on the animal's size, your strength, and the distance involved, you will want to cut your moose into as many as ten portions, including the head and hide. Evidence of gender must remain attached to at least one part of the dressed animal, if it is dismembered and transported in several pieces. All edible meat and evidence of gender must be pre- sented for registration, but it is much easier to leave the viscera, lower legs, rib cage, head, and hide in the woods. Any moose parts that are not presented for registration may not be placed where they are visible to a person traveling on a public or private way.

A bone saw will make the quartering job much easier. An axe will work if used carefully. A poly sheet will help keep the quartered pieces clean.

To remove the front shoulders and hind quarters, slice through the tendons and muscle tissue across the shoulder blades and thighs, then cut through the joint in the shoulders and hips.

Protect the meat from flies with game bags, cheesecloth, old sheets, and/or a liberal application of black pepper. If at all possible, hang the meat in the shade to cool. Don't put the meat in plastic bags or wrap it in blankets, tarps, or plastic. Keep it as dry as possible, as moisture increases the chance of spoilage. Don't wash the meat unless you have a way to dry it. Trim away any shot-damaged meat.

Getting The Moose Out of The Woods Unless you can drive to the kill site or can find someone with a skidder, getting the moose out of the woods will be your most difficult task, but it will be much easier if the moose is quartered. If you do get it out intact and/or with the hide on, try to get it hung in a cool place, preferably a meat cooler, as soon as possible.

Vehicle Transportation When transporting a moose, your main concerns should be keeping the meat cool and protecting it from dirt and exhaust fumes. Although the law requires that the moose be open to view until after it is registered, the whole animal need not be displayed - some prominent portion (leg, head, antler, etc.) should be visible.

26 Snowmobile trailers are handy for transporting moose, but if you use one be sure to protect the moose from dirt thrown up by the tow-vehicle tires. This is especially important if you will be traveling a long distance on unpaved logging roads; dust and mud can make a mess of your moose.

Some hunters rig special insulated boxes in the back of pickup trucks or on snowmobile trailers. Cooled with dry ice, these are great for transporting meat long distances in warm weather. As an alternative, you can pack ice (bagged or in plastic gallon milk jugs) or dry ice in the body cavity or around the quartered pieces. Don't allow water from the melting ice to contact the meat. Don't put dry ice in direct contact with the meat; use several layers of newspaper to keep the dry ice and the meat apart.

If you can't provide any other kind of cooling, at least allow air to circulate around each piece of meat. A rack of tree limbs can be used to elevate the meat off warm surfaces and separate the pieces on top of each other. However, it is better to have them in one layer with good air circulation above and below. Use cheesecloth or sheets to protect open meat from flies and road dirt. Don't pile gear on the moose, and take particular care to avoid contamination with gasoline from ATVs and spare gas cans.

If you have a long distance to travel and the weather is warm, don't risk losing all you have invested in your moose meat by taking it directly home. After registering your moose, take it directly to the nearest facility with a large cooler (a custom meat cutter, a common carrier with refrigerated trucks, a supermarket, etc.,) where it can be hung and cooled, butchered, frozen, or properly packed in ice for the trip home. If you don't do this, at least think about traveling at night.

Aging Young moose need no aging, but older moose should be aged. Aging time varies according to the temperature and the animal's size. The ideal temperature is just a few degrees above freezing. Temperatures in the 40s will shorten the aging period to a few days. The temperature must never exceed 50. If the hide is off, reduce aging time to prevent drying out; cheesecloth covering will help prevent drying and deter flies. Black pepper may also be needed for the latter. Meat must be aged before freezing, never after. There is no need to age portions to be processed into ground or stewing meats.

Butchering If you don't have the time, equipment, and know-how to process your own moose, have it processed at a commercial facility. A list of custom cutters who will process moose is found on pages 29-30.

Freezing Poor freezing methods can ruin your moose meat just as surely as improper field care. The most common problems are "freezer burn," unsuitable or defective wrapping paper, freezing too large a quantity at one time, and an inadequate or malfunctioning freezer.

Always use special freezer paper. Aluminum or polyethylene envelopes are also recommended. Quick and even freezing is required. Even a large home freezer cannot properly handle more than 100 pounds of meat at the same time - half that amount in an 18 cubic foot freezer.

Cooking Moose Meat Lacking recipes specifically for moose, you can use your favorite venison recipes with good results.

Disposal of Unwanted Parts Dispose of any waste from your moose by deep burial. Disposal of dead animals or animal parts is illegal on dumps and landfills.

Moose Trophy Care Shoot a trophy-sized bull only if you intend to make good use of it. Proper care of trophy heads is extremely important. If you plan on having a moose head mounted, get specific instructions on skinning and care from your taxidermist before you go hunting. A less expensive alternative to a full head mount is to mount just the antlers and the skull cap.

Full Head Mount If you want a head mount, avoid shooting your moose in the head, and don't cut its throat. When field dressing, try to get the animal’s head uphill to prevent any blood or body fluids from getting on the head or cape. Field dress the moose in the normal manner except do not cut any further up the under side than between the front legs. The windpipe and any other material can be removed after the animal has been caped out.

27 If the weather is warm, and you plan to have a head mount or a "fur on" rug made from the hide, you must remove the skin, salt the flesh side thoroughly, and roll up the hide, flesh side in. Keep it in a cool place (never in a plastic bag) and get it to your taxidermist as soon as possible. Delay may cause "slipping," a condition in which the hair falls off the hide after the tanning process, ruining it for its intended use.

To skin for a head and shoulder mount, cut in a straight line down the back of the neck, stopping between the shoulder blades, and cut skin off behind the front legs. An alternative is to bring the whole skin, with head attached, to the taxider- mist. He will want the measurements, and the skinning is included in the mounting charge.

Hide Care Remove all flesh and fat, then salt the flesh side well. Moose hides spoil very rapidly in warm weather. Take the hide to a taxidermist within 24 hours after skinning.

Fine table salt is best for use on hides. Capes will take about 30 pounds of salt. Flat skins will take 50 to 80 pounds. As a guide, figure on using half the weight of the skin in salt. About 24 hours after application, the salt will be wet and will have lost its efficiency - shake it off and re-salt.

Transport the hide rolled up, flesh side out.

Other Moose Trophies Moose hooves and legs can be used for making gun racks. The bones from the dew claws make interesting letter openers, which can be prepared simply by cutting the bone out, removing the meat and drying. "Fur off" moose hide can be tanned like buckskin and used to make gloves or other items.

HOW MUCH DID MY MOOSE WEIGH?... HOW MUCH MEAT WILL I GET? Many successful moose hunters are interested in knowing how much their moose weighed alive and how much edible meat they might expect it to yield.

Weighing a moose after it is brought out of the woods (without heart, liver and other edible organs, and without lungs and other viscera) will give you the dressed weight. Although there are a number of variables (sex, age, blood loss and dehydration, etc.) that may affect weight, a reasonable estimate of a moose’s live weight may be obtained by adding 30 percent to its dressed weight.

How much meat can you expect from your moose? There are even more important variables in making this estimation, but as a very rough guide you can figure that one-half of the dressed weight of your moose is edible — potentially.

The figures which follow represent an accurate accounting of what one pair of hunters obtained from their moose, which weighed approximately 850 pounds, field dressed.

Steak of various cuts ...... 118 pounds Ribs (to barbecue) ...... 24 pounds Stew meat ...... 88 pounds Roasts ...... 11 pounds Mooseburg (includes 21 pounds of beef and pork fat ground in) ...... 196 pounds Heart, liver, kidneys, tongue (estimated weight) ...... 18 pounds Total edible meat from 850 pound bull moose...... 455 pounds

Important factors which affected the yield of meat from this particular moose were: 1. Almost no meat was lost from bullet damage. 2. There was no loss from spoilage or dirty meat. 3. Experienced butchers cut-up the moose, so there was almost no waste. 4. The amounts listed are pure meat, with no fat or bone except for the ribs and 21 pounds of fat ground into the mooseburg.

Obviously, these and other conditions can have considerable effect on the percentage of meat that can be taken from a particular carcass. A cow moose, or a young moose, for instance, might not yield as much meat per pound of field dressed weight as a mature bull. Likewise, a number of bullet holes, spoilage, and hasty or careless butchering could result in a lower yield. Conversely, cutting steaks or roasts in such a way as to include bone (as is done with beef) would increase the total weight going into the freezer.

28 MOOSE MEAT PROCESSING FACILITIES Butchering an animal the size of a moose is not an easy job. If you don’t have the know-how, the time, or equipment to do it properly yourself, commercial facilities are available. The Department strongly suggests that all moose hunters contact a meat processor prior to the hunting season to ensure "space" for processing. As the number of permits have increased in recent years, the capability of the available meat processors to meet this demand appears to be nearing capacity. The following establishments have indicated an interest in processing moose. This list is provided for informational purposes only and in no way implies Department endorsement. The services each provides are in parentheses after the name, coded as follows: C = cutting W = wrapping F = freezing S = frozen storage N = skinning

ALEXANDER DOVER-FOXCROFT LIVERMORE Clayton Blake (CWFS) Herring Bros. Meat Cutters (CWFSN) Francis Castonguay (CWFSN) 602 Cooper Road Route 15 234 Gibbs Mill Rd. Alexander, ME 04643 PO Box 526 Livermore, ME 04253 Phone: 454-8438 Guilford Dover Road Phone: 897-4989 Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 1-800-310-4989 in-state ARUNDEL Phone: 876-2631 Gil LaFlamme & Sons (CWFS) R & B Meats (CWFN) 208 New Road Twin Pines Custom Cutting (CWFS) 1551 Federal Road Arundel, ME 362 Center Range Rd. Livermore, ME 04253 Phone: 282-1027 Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 Phone: 897-3371 Phone: 564-7255 or 564-7220 ASHLAND MANCHESTER Windham Butcher Shop FORT KENT Ballard Custom Meats (CWFN) Rt. 11 (next to Fish & Wildlife office) John’s Yankee Grocers (CWF) Myrtle St. Ashland, ME 04732 115 Market St. Manchester, ME 04351 Phone: 892-4203 Fort Kent, ME 04743 Phone: 622-9764 (Monday - Thursday afternoon, Phone: 834-5181 September season only.) MEDWAY FRENCHVILLE York’s Slaughter House (CWN) ATHENS Reno Dube (CW) Woodville Rd. Foss Farms Slaughter House (CWF) 124 U.S. Route 1 8CR 69 Box 345 Hartland Rd., P. O. Box 123 Frenchville, ME 04745 Medway, ME 04460 Athens, ME 04912 Phone: 543-7793 Phone: 746-5845, 746-3425, or Phone: 654-2633 or 2641 447-9498 GREENFIELD BIDDEFORD Bill Melgey (CW) MILBRIDGE West Street Market (CWF) Box 274, Cross Rd. Pat's Meat & Seafood Market (CWF) 271 West St. Greenfield, ME 04461 Back Bay Road, Box 298 Biddeford ME 04005 Phone: 827-7554 Milbridge, ME 04658 Phone: 282-9861 or 283-3198 Phone: 546-3340 HARPSWELL BLAINE Thibeault’s Deer Cutting (CWF) MINOT Hardgroves Slaughterhouse (CW) 467 Cundy’s Harbor Rd. Trophies Unlimited Taxidermy Chandler Road Harpswell, ME 04079 (CWFSN) Blaine, ME 04758 Phone: 725-8952 Dick Sprague, Taxidermist Phone: 425-2551 109 Bradbury Hill Rd. HARRINGTON Minot, ME 04258 Slaughter House (CWFS) Delbert Caler (CW) Phone: 966-3713 PO Box 153, 304 Berber Road Marshfield Rd. Blaine, ME 04734 Harrington, ME 04643 Harris Custom Cutting (CWFSN) Phone: 429-8808 Phone: 483-6077 374 Woodman Hill Rd. Minot, ME 04258 CHARLESTON JAY Phone: 345-9582 Pager: 818-0112 Maple Lane Farm (CWFSN) Newell’s Custom Meats (CWFN) Barry Higgins 163 Franklin Rd. MONTICELLO Rt 11A, 224 Charleston Road Jay, ME 04239 Folsom’s Custom Meat Cutting(CWN) Charleston, ME 04422 Phone: 897-5293 Route 1, Box 237 Phone: 285-3591 Monticello, ME 04760 LAGRANGE Phone: 538-2129 DETROIT Troy P. White (CW) Brousseau Family Meat (CWFN) Mid-Maine Taxidermy NORTH MONMOUTH 344 River Rd., Route 69 13 White Rd. K&K Cutting (CWFSN) Detroit, ME 04929 Lagrange, ME 04453 Kerry Burgess Phone: 487-6949 1-800-943-2521 215 Back St. No Monmouth, ME 04265 DIXMONT LEVANT Phone: 933-4860 Pine Ridge Taxidermy (CW) Richard Bemis (CWF) 4197 Kennebec Rd. Box 114, Wing Road Dixmont, ME 04932 Levant, ME 04456 Phone: 234-7227 Phone: 884-8565

29 MOOSE MEAT PROCESSING FACILITIES cont’d

OAKLAND SOUTH BERWICK WINDHAM Bills Custom Cutting (CWFSN) Folgers All Game Cutting (CW) Skip Lamb (CWF) 92 High Street 9 Crescent Court 3 Heritage Lane Oakland, ME 04963 South Berwick, ME 03908 Windham, ME 04062 Phone: 465-9551 Phone: 748-3279 Phone: 892-0196

PRESQUE ISLE STRONG Windham Butcher Shop (CWF) Ron's Custom Cutting (CW) Steve & Dora Boyd (CW) 247 Varney Mill Road 3 Montgomery St. RR 2 Box 900 Windham, ME 04062 Presque Isle, ME 04769 West Freeman Road Phone: 892-4203 Phone: 762-4661 Strong, ME 04983 Operates out of Greenville Phone: 684-3592 call for information. ROCKLAND Walk-in cooler available. Thin Blue Line Meats (CWFN) By Appointment WINSLOW 15 Washington St. Dennis Jackson (CWF) Rockland, ME 04841 THOMASTON 15 Belleview St. Phone: 596-2938 Earl Titus (CWF) Winslow, ME 04901 21 Booker St. Phone: 873-5535 SABATTUS Thomaston, ME 04861 Sabattus Deer Processing (CWF) Phone: 354-6555 G&G Custom cutting (CWF) Greg Provost 6780 North Reynolds Rd. 435 Middle Rd. VAN BUREN Winslow, ME 04902 Sabattus, ME 04280 Theriault’s Abattoir (CWFS) Phone: 872-2958 Phone: 375-8728/day 375-4581/evening Hamlin Rd. Pager: 471-5701 Van Buren, ME 04785 SANFORD Phone: 868-3344 WYTOPITLOCK David Hussey (CWF) D&R Meat Cutting (CWFN) PO Box 601 WALDOBORO Route 171, Tower Rd. Sanford, ME 04073 Moon's Meat Cutting(CWFSN) Wytopitlock, ME Phone: 324-7190 313 Cassner Rd. Phone: 738-3305 or 456-7172 Waldoboro, ME 04572 SIDNEY Phone: 832-4074 Richard Jandreau (CW) Town Farm Road WEST GARDINER Sidney, ME 04330 Weston’s Meat Cutting (CWFN) Since this publication needs to be printed Phone: 465-9971 95 Collins Mill Rd. earlier in the year, some errors may exist West Gardiner, ME 04345 in the list of meat processors above. The Phone: 724-2027 listed meat processors were confirmed as of May 1, 2004.

A CAUTION ON LIVER AND KIDNEY CONSUMPTION

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the state Bureau of Health recommend that the liver and kidneys of moose not be eaten because of possible con- tamination with the heavy metal cadmium. Several states, Canadian provinces and Scandinavian countries have issued similar warnings. While cadmium may accumulate in the liver and kidneys, there is no known health risk from eating the meat of moose or deer.

Air pollution from copper and nickel industries and from the burning of fossil fuels accounts for much of the cadmium deposited in eastern North America. Cadmium is ingested by moose with their food. Maine health officials recommend that deer liver consumption be limited to 0.8 pounds in one sitting and 1 to 1 1/3 pounds per week.

Human symptoms of acute cadmium poisoning include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps and salivation.

30 PHONE NUMBERS YOU MAY NEED

Fish and Wildlife Dept. office (Greenville) (207)-695-3756 Fish and Wildlife Dept. office (Ashland) (207)-435-3231 Fish and Wildlife Dept. office (Bangor) (207)-941-4440 Fish and Wildlife Dept. office (Enfield) (207)-732-4132 Fish and Wildlife Dept. office (Jonesboro) (207)-434-5927 Fish and Wildlife Dept. office (Sidney) (207)-547-5300 Fish and Wildlife Dept. office (Strong) (207)-778-3324 State Police (Orono) 1-800-432-7381 State Police (Houlton) 1-800-432-7384 North Maine Woods (207)-435-6213 Penobscot Indian (207)-827-7776 ext. 230 Maine Forest Service (Island Falls) (207)-463-2214 Maine Forest Service (Greenville) (207)-695-3721 Maine Forest Service (Old Town) (207)-827-2079 Operation Game Thief 1-800-253-7887

LET SOMEONE KNOW

Make sure someone knows exactly where you will be staying on your moose hunt. Give them the number of the nearest Fish and Wildlife Deptartment office. This precaution will simplify locating you, should that become necessary.

RECORD MOOSE ANTLERS

Are your moose antlers a new Maine moose record? Does it qualify as a trophy antlered bull moose according to the Maine Antler and Skull Trophy Club (MASTC)?

A trophy moose will have antlers over four feet wide, with sixteen or more points on large palms. The scoring system measures bone mass, so the most important single factor is large, massive palms.

If you take a trophy antlered moose, let the antlers and the cleaned skull cap dry for 60 days. Do not separate antlers from the skull cap or break the upper skull. This will change the true spread measurement and will disqualify the antlers from official registration.

Measuring should be done as soon as possible after the 60-day drying period for the highest possible score. Large moose antlers can shrink up to four inches in spread in three months. For further information, or for a measuring appointment, contact one of the scorers listed below:

Harvey Libby* Ron Boucher* Ed Simonton* Jean R. Arsenault* Gorham Wallingford, VT Union Chesterville 839-4674 446-2216 785-3022 778-6652

Galen Humphrey* Wilza Robertson* Thomas W. Berube James Slauenwhite North Berwick Portage Lake Auburn Island Falls 646-8747 435-6211 998-2974 463-2437

Richard P. Arsenault Ted Proudlove Buxton Enfield 732-3880 732-3694

*Official Boone and Crockett Club scorer

31 NONIMMIGRANT ALIENS HUNTING IN MAINE

An approved ATF form 6NIA will serve as the temporary import permit that nonimmigrant alien presents to the U.S. Customs Service at the time he or she enters the United States.

An approved permit is valid for one year, as long as the nonimmigrant alien has documentation demonstrating he or she will fall within an exception to the general prohibition on nonimmigrant aliens possessing firearms and ammunition (either a valid State hunting license or an invitation/registration to attend a future qualifying competitive target shooting event or sports or hunting trade show.)

A non immigrant alien who already has an approved import permit on the old ATF Form 6 may continue to use the permit until it expires (as long as he or she has documentation demonstrating that he or she falls within an exception to the general prohibition on nonimmigrant aliens possessing firearms and ammunition.)

Nonimmigrant aliens planning to temporarily enter the United States with a firearm or ammunition for reasons other than hunting or other lawful sporting purposes (or repair) do not need an ATF Form 6NIA import permit.

However, they do need to fall within an exception to the general prohibition on nonimmigrant aliens possessing firearms and ammunition in the United States.

Moreover, they may need a DSP-61 (Temporary Import License) from the department of state. If a nonimmigrant alien has questions about whether a DSP-61 is needed, he or she should contact the U.S. Department of State, office of Defense Trade Controls, at 202-663-2714.

Nonimmigrant aliens with questions about ATF Form 6NIA may call ATF’s Firearms and Explosives Import Branch at 202-927-8320. The ATF webpage www.atf.gov has frequently asked questions that provide useful information regarding the form.

CUSTOMS

Hunters who will be entering a moose hunting district via Canada should be aware of Customs hours and regulations. You must consider the American Customs going into Maine and the Canadian Customs when entering Canada.

Due to changes related to Homeland Security along the Maine-Quebec Border, the schedules of operations for the following checkpoints are subject to change at any time. All border checkpoints are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Daaquam: closed permanently in May 2003. Traffic may enter at St. Juste. Estcourt: Open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. St. Pamphile: Open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. St. Juste: Open Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. St. Aurelie: Open Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Hunters planning to use one of these border crossings are advised to call U.S. Customs in Jackman (207-668-3711) to assure that the crossing will be open. There are heavy fines for improper border crossing.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TAKE HANDGUNS INTO CANADA.

Although you are not normally required to stop at American Customs on leaving the U.S., you should do so to register your rifles so there will be no problem upon re-entry.

Prior to entry into Canada with hunting firearms, you will be required to stop at Canada Customs to declare and register all hunting rifles and shotguns. There is a $50.00 (Canadian) fee per registration (the fee is per registration not per firearm). For more information, please call Canada Customs at 418-597-3395.

Moose legally shot in Maine can be transported into Canada and back into Maine with proper Customs clearance.

32 A BRIEF HISTORY OF MOOSE and MOOSE HUNTING IN MAINE

No animal is more symbolic of Maine’s northern forests than the moose, as officially attested by its adoption as Maine’s state animal and its appearance on the state’s seal. According to the writings of early explorers, moose were plentiful in New England during the 1600s; however, statewide populations had declined to a couple thousand by the early 1900s. Several factors are believed to have contributed to the decline, including brainworm, unrestricted hunting (including market hunting), and clearing of forests for farmland. Concerns about a declining moose population in Maine in the early 1900s led to increasing restrictions on hunting them until, in 1935, legal moose hunting ended.

Protection from excessive hunting, and improving habitat conditions, allowed the moose population to increase dramatically. Reverting farmland increased the amount of forested habitat available to moose in southern and central Maine. In northern Maine, changes in forest practices that included a greater amount of clearcutting provided moose with an abundant food source as cutover areas regenerated. Today, moose are distributed statewide but are most abundant in northern, western, and eastern counties where climate and habitat conditions are most favorable for them.

As the numbers of moose increased, interest in moose viewing and restoring moose hunting also increased. In 1980, following 45 years of no legal moose hunting, Maine’s moose herd had increased to the point where the Maine legislature authorized restoration of a very conservative and limited open season. It allowed the Department to issue up to 700 permits to resident hunters and their subpermittees to hunt moose north of the Canadian Pacific Railroad tracks during the last week of September. The law made no provision to distribute hunting pressure, and hunters concentrated east of Moosehead Lake, a popular area for moose watching. The harvest was high in this area and caused public concern.

Following the 1980 moose season, Maine legislators overwhelmingly passed a law providing for annual moose seasons beginning in 1982 in accordance with rather specific requirements and a means of distributing hunting pressure by assigning hunters to zones. The legislature established the number of permits that could be issued and the length of the season. Timing of the season and number of hunting districts was left to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to establish. Over the years, permit numbers have gradually increased and the legal hunting area has expanded. Presently, 3,000 permits are issued over roughly three-fifths of the state.

In 1999 for the first time in Maine history, the legislature granted all responsibility for administering the moose hunt in the year 2001 and beyond to the DIF&W. In addition, the Department convened a public working group to develop goals and objectives that will guide moose management in Maine for the next fifteen years.

Beginning in 2001, the moose season featured some changes in the framework, to spread hunters out more than past seasons. These changes include a two-week split season, an expansion of hunting into downeast portions of the state, and permits allocated by wildlife management districts (rather than large zones) to tailor moose populations, hunting opportunities, and viewing opportunities specifically the way Maine’s citizens want in different parts of the State. In 2003, Wildlife Management District 17 was open to moose hunting for the first time in modern moose hunting history. SOMEONE’S STEALING MAINE’S WILDLIFE WE PAY CASH For information on poachers and private property abuse 1-800-ALERT US 1-800-253-7887

US Cellular & Maine Wireless dial #GW Unicel dial *GW

33 SPRUCE GROUSE

Males will often have an unfeathered red patch of skin above the eye. Females, under certain light conditions, look very similar to the red phase of the ruffed grouse.

NOTE: Spruce Grouse act very tame and may allow a hunter or a slow moving vehicle to approach to within a few feet. Tail feathers have red-brown A Ruffed Grouse will fre- tips and no broad black band. quently "perk" its head up, then lower its head and run for cover when disturbed.

RUFFED GROUSE

Small feathers pointing up from top of head

Black feathers on sides of neck.

Conspicuous broad black band on the tail.

34 GAME BIRD HUNTERS!!

Can you distinguish between the legally hunted ruffed grouse (partridge) and the spruce grouse, for which there is no open season?

SPRUCE GROUSE Behavior • generally act very tame; may allow a hunter or a slowmoving vehicle to approach to within a few feet • will often "crouch" low to the ground when approached • when finally ready to move, will often run only a short distance, or fly only to a nearby tree

Physical Characteristics • tail feathers have red-brown tips and lack the broad black band of the ruffed grouse • male spruce grouse are slate gray and black above (considerably darker than ruffed grouse), with a characteristic unfeathered red patch of skin above the eye • female spruce grouse are gray and brown above and white and brown below; under certain light conditions, they may look similar to the red phase of ruffed grouse

RUFFED GROUSE Behavior • when approached by someone on foot or in a vehicle, frequently "perk" head up like a chicken • commonly flush and take flight when disturbed • may also lower head, with neck extended, and run for cover

Physical Characteristics (spruce grouse lack all of these features) • conspicuous, broad black band on the tail • black ruff feathers on sides of neck • small feathers pointing up from top of head

Spruce and ruffed grouse can and do occur in the same areas of Maine. In certain light conditions, they may look similar. Nearly half a million ruffed grouse are harvested here annually. Although the Fish and Willdife Department does not have a population estimate for spruce grouse we do know that they are rare and far less numerous than ruffed grouse.

Currently there is NO OPEN SEASON on spruce grouse in Maine. As in any hunting situation, it is imperative that the hunter be certain of his/her target before discharging a firearm.

35 INDIAN TERRITORY

As a result of the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980, lands purchased by the Penobscot Indian Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe, within certain designated areas of the State, are classified as Indian territory and are given "spe- cial" legal status. The Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe, within their respective Indian territories, have exclusive authority to regulate hunting and trapping. At the time of this publication, parcels of Indian territory had been acquired within the following areas:

PENOBSCOT NATION: Franklin County: Alder Stream Twp. Penobscot County: T2R9 NWP (western portion), T3R9NWP (eastern portion), T6R8 WELS (western portion) Argyle Twp. (northern portion) and T3R1 NBPP (northeastern portion). Piscataquis County: T6R8 NWP. The Penobscot Nation also has exclusive authority to regulate hunting and trapping in the Penobscot Reservation, consisting of all islands in the Penobscot River north of, and including, Indian Island, located near Old Town, Maine. Contact the Penobscot Nation, Department of Natural Resources for specific locations of Reservation islands.

PASSAMAQUODDY TRIBE: Franklin County: Lowelltown, T1 R8 WBKP. Hancock County: T3&4ND. Washington County: T5ND, BPP; T19MD, Indian Twp., and Pleasant Point, Perry. Penobscot County: T3R9NWP, T5R1 NBPP, TAR7WELS. Somerset County: Holeb T6R1 NBKP, Prentiss, T4R4 NBKP, Hammond Twp., T3R4 NBKP, Alder Brook Twp., T3R3 NBKP, Pittston Academy Grant, T2R4 NBKP, Soldiertown Twp., T2R3 NBKP.

Most of these areas will be conspicuously posted as Indian Territory. Anyone wishing to hunt or trap on Indian territory should contact the appropriate Indian agency for further information.

PENOBSCOT INDIAN NATION - Dept. of Natural Resources, Old Town ME phone: 207-827-7776 ext 230

PASSAMAQUODDY TRIBE - Ranger Dept. Box 301, Princeton, ME phone: 207-796-2677

36 2004 MOOSE HUNTING LOG

The legislation that established the moose hunting season requires all permit holders to complete and return a question- naire to the Fish and Wildlife Department. All permit holders will receive the short questionnaire immediately after the moose hunt. Please do not mail in this log.

The following table is reproduced from the hunter questionnaire, and is provided for your use as a daily hunting log. If you fill it out during your hunt, you will find it easier to complete the questionnaire when it is mailed to you.

Please record the number of hours you (the permittee) spent moose hunting and the number of game animals you saw while moose hunting in Maine in 2004. By hunting, we mean the time you spent hunting in your assigned zone during legal hunting hours. Do not include scouting prior to the hunt, or time spent after shooting you moose. Even if you did not see any animals, please report the time you spent hunting that day. If you did not see any animals, please enter a zero (0). If you are not sure of the number, please estimate it.

Number of Moose Seen (including the moose you shot) # Hours Unknown Number Number Number Number Day Hunted Bulls Cows Calves Sex/Age Deer Seen Bear Seen Coyote Seen Grouse Seen Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

DEFINITIONS

Calf moose: a moose born last spring. They are usually larger than a large buck deer but less than 4 1/2 feet tall at the shoulder. They have a smaller nose than older moose. See sketch for a comparison of the size and shape of a cow and calf. Male calves have buttons like a male fawn deer but do NOT have antlers. See sketch on page 36.

Bull moose: a male moose born prior to last spring. All will have antlers, but some may only be spikes a few inches long.

Cow moose: a female moose born prior to last spring. Cows do not have antlers.

MAINE MOOSE HUNTERS CLUB

Anyone who legally kills and registers a moose in Maine is eligible to join a club sponsored by The Maine Sportsman (PO Box 910, Yarmouth, ME 04096). There is no minimum weight requirement. Members receive a jacket patch. Application cards will be mailed to all permit holders. A Maine game warden or wildlife biologist must certify the completed card, which is then sent to The Maine Sportsman with a check for $3.00 to cover the cost of the patch.

37 38 NOTES

39 Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife 284 State Street PRSRT STD 41 State House Station U.S. POSTAGE Augusta, ME 04333-0041 PAID PERMIT NO.8. AUGUSTA, MAINE